Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan has helped raise over £118,500 (approximately $147,000) for the UK trans charity Not A Phase, following the UK Supreme Court’s decision to define “woman” and “sex” in the 2010 Equality Act as referring strictly to biological sex. The ruling, which many view as a setback for trans rights, sparked widespread backlash from LGBTQ+ communities and allies.

Coughlan, originally from Galway, Ireland and widely known for her advocacy, called the ruling “stomach-churning” and pledged to match donations up to £10,000. Her response ignited a powerful wave of solidarity, with the campaign quickly surpassing its initial goal. The fundraiser now aims to reach £130,000 as public support continues to grow.

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Supreme Court Ruling Draws Protest and Backlash

The UK Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Equality Act has opened the door for transgender women, even those with a Gender Recognition Certificate, to be excluded from single-sex spaces if it is considered “proportionate.” The decision has far-reaching consequences for how institutions implement protections for trans individuals.

In the wake of the ruling, thousands gathered in protest across London and Edinburgh. Advocacy groups such as TransActual, FLINT, and Pride in Labour joined in condemnation. Many saw the verdict not only as a legal setback but as a reflection of rising hostility toward transgender rights in the UK.

Author JK Rowling, who has repeatedly clashed with trans activists, praised the court’s decision and shared celebratory posts online. One image, featuring her on a yacht with a cigar, circulated widely and became a lightning rod for criticism. Coughlan, in contrast, urged followers to boycott Rowling’s upcoming Harry Potter television reboot, stating she “wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole.”

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Coughlan Mobilizes Support and Sends a Message

Nicola Coughlan responded to the court ruling not with silence, but with action. Through Instagram, she amplified Not A Phase, a grassroots organization that supports trans and non-binary individuals. “Make your voice heard,” she wrote, urging her audience to show up for the trans community with both solidarity and financial support.

Her influence helped galvanize a wave of donations, many from people disheartened by the court’s decision. The actress emphasized that allies must stand firm, particularly when trans rights face legal and cultural erosion. “To see people celebrate [this ruling] is stomach-churning,” she said in a video message. “Let your trans and non-binary friends know that you are there for them and will keep fighting.”

As Coughlan’s fundraiser climbed, she kept followers updated, celebrating the generosity of donors while reaffirming her stance. “So delighted for Not A Phase,” she wrote, thanking her audience for their swift and generous response.

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A Rising Voice in a Shifting Culture

Coughlan’s Bridgerton co-star Charithra Chandran also responded with clarity and conviction. In a video that has garnered over eight million views on TikTok, Chandran pushed back against the logic used to justify the court’s decision and its celebration online.

@charithra17

Loser behaviour to target an already vulnerable and oppressed group tbh

♬ original sound – Charithra Chandran

Charithra Chandran dismissed the idea that trans women pose any threat to her identity as a woman, making it clear that such fears reflect personal insecurity rather than any real danger. She challenged those who claim to support women’s rights but use that stance to justify excluding trans individuals. Instead of addressing tangible issues—like improving funding for women’s sports or strengthening legal action against sexual violence—they focus their energy on marginalizing an already vulnerable group. Chandran called out this hypocrisy for what it is: a deflection, not advocacy.

Chandran’s words echoed the same moral clarity Coughlan brought to her campaign for Not A Phase. While Nicola Coughlan’s breakout roles in Derry Girls, Bridgerton, and Barbie have earned her global recognition, she continues to treat her public platform as a space for purpose, not performance. Her decision to match donations and reject silence reflects a broader shift among public figures who refuse to remain neutral on matters of dignity and equality.

In a moment where legal protections for trans people are being redefined, Coughlan’s response carries real weight. She reminded her audience that those with visibility have a choice—to step aside or step up. She chose the latter, and in doing so, made clear that support must be public, financial, and relentless.

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